Alpine / West Menlo Little League has served the families of Menlo Park, Woodside, and Portola Valley for more than a half-century. Our mission is to be an outstanding community organization that creates a culture where kids of all abilities love playing

All players play in the field each inning. Players shall be given equal opportunities to play infield and outfield positions within each game.

All players bat each inning. Each batter or runner that makes an out shall return to their dugout or designated bench area.

Games shall be 4 innings in length or 1 hour, whichever is less. These limits may be modified by mutual agreement of Coaches from both teams.

All batters must hit off of a Tee. There shall be no pitching by players or coaches. This practice shall be in effect for the entire season.

A batted ball must cross the 10-foot arc around home plate to be a fair ball. The bat must come in contact with the ball to be considered fair.

There are no strikeouts, but at a coach’s discretion, a player may have a limited number of attempts (minimum of three) to swing the bat independently, after which a coach may assist a player in making contact with the ball.

Batters and runners must wear helmets at all times.

Catchers must wear helmet/mask and throat protector at all times.

On-deck batters must remain in the dugout or designated bench area. No on-deck circle is permitted (National LL rule 1.08) and there shall be no practice swings.

Batters throwing the bat after swinging are automatically out. This rule can be applied by the coaches of either team at any time.

Runners can generally only advance one (1) base per hit ball. At discretion of coaches, an exceptional hit may allow runners to advance a maximum of two bases.

Runners never advance on fielding or throwing errors.

There shall be no leads or stealing by runners. An advance to the next base can occur only when the ball is hit into fair territory.

Outs will be called according to typical baseball rules, with appropriate discretion for the beginning level of the players in T-Ball. In every situation, acknowledge batter or base runner for effort and explain the out. This will help to teach baseball principles, encourage effort when running, provide a goal to achieve, and reward good play.

Up to three coaches are allowed in the field during play to provide instruction and guidance to players. If a ball accidentally touches a coach, the ball shall remain a live ball. If a coach intentionally touches a ball, the ball shall be dead and the runners shall be allowed to take the base they were attempting to reach and one additional base.

Coaches in the field are not to engage in any use of mobile phones, cameras, or other electronic devices.

Coaches of the defensive (fielding) team will handle all umpiring from their positions on the field during play.

Coaches of the offensive (batting) team will work with their team’s batters as necessary to instruct players and will attempt to maintain a consistent pace of play.

No game score and no league standings will be maintained.

Coaches and Players from each team shall meet at home plate after each game to shake hands and offer “good game” acknowledgement to each member of the opposing team.

Coaches and Players shall participate in making sure the dugouts, fields and bleachers are free of all trash and belongings.

Coaches shall notify the division Commissioner of any problems related to conduct of coaches, players, or parents.